Life & Work with Madison Campbell of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Campbell

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Madison Campbell, 23
Co-Founder, Metanoia Missions & Ministries
Nashville, TN

As someone born and raised in the Nashville area (part of the “Bible Belt”) and through the example of my parents, I’ve always made my faith a priority in my life. I’m active in my community working at Explore Chiropractic in Mount Juliet, as part of the worship team at Rising Church at Lincoya Hills in Donelson, attending Bible studies, helping with worship events from time to time, and attending short-term international mission trips. I had no idea that eight years ago, at age 16, how my first mission trip to Nicaragua would lead to a calling of service that would be bigger than me.

My dad, Trey, is a Vice President at a company where he works with college students to help them run a sales business during their summer break to offset some of their educational expenses. It’s one of the oldest companies in Nashville, established in 1855. One of the alumni of the program from Texas, Claire Greene, reached out to my dad to see if he would be interested in bringing a team to serve her community. She had become a missionary in Nicaragua after college. He admits he didn’t really know how to do that, but took on the challenge, even writing a devotional we would go through together at night after a long day of work and service.

Up until that first mission trip, I really didn’t know what my dad did. My early memories were of him training on stage to hundreds of screaming, pumped-up, excited college students. I thought this was what he did every day. It wasn’t until the first trip in December 2017 where I realized the impact he had on young people. He invested in them in a way that was much greater than just personal and professional development. The trip consisted of eight students, Claire, and myself. This was a transformative time in my life up to that point because it was the beginning of me being able to see things through the eyes of others. Not only were my eyes opened, but my heart was touched, and my spirit was full. My dad had set the trip up to be dual-natured: love and serve the people in need and at-risk by day and work on our personal faith during the night. I talked with people in their homes sitting on their dirt floors. I did construction projects I never thought I was qualified to try, using tools I never knew were tools. I met people who invested in me through sharing their stories and life. My perspective was changed, and so was my heart. Most of all, the college students accepted me, and I felt included. Being a witness to all of the healing and forgiveness of the past within our group and a seeing a renewed dedication to our faith was powerful. Being able to watch and learn from my dad and the older students on the trip was key for my spiritual development.

Using the same model, the next year (2018), we took a short-term mission trip to Ecuador. This time it was all girls. I was a year older and year more mature, but I was not ready for everything God planned for that trip. I saw God healing hurt and developing a courage and boldness in those who had painful pasts. To this day, it still gives me goose bumps to think about it.

After six more years and many mission trips, my dad approached me and six others about starting a unique business. He gathered us all in the living room and shared a vision we had been talking about: to start a missions company where all profit (minus very low operating expenses) would go to support the communities we serve. So, in addition to showing up for a week at a time, we would also be able to help year-round. In the living room that night, Metanoia Missions & Ministries was born. We filed the paperwork to become a company and this was realized in May 2023. The mission is simple: to help others seek spiritual growth, change lives, honor God, serve humanity, and provide hope through international and domestic short-term experiences and long-term support. To date, hundreds of people have had the experience of a mission trip and experienced life-change. We currently serve communities in Nicaragua, Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. One thing we have been cautious about is not serving to many communities, growing faster than our resources will serve. We can do more for fewer communities than do just a little more many communities.

Our company is unique. It is what is known as a corporate nonprofit in the state of Tennessee. While not a 501c3 nonprofit, we run as a business and people can donate through our fiscal sponsor to receive a tax deduction. The company was never started to make a profit but find ways to love and help others. None of the co-founders profit in any way. Profits and donations go to our mission. We do it as a calling, not a job. Examples of donations have included purchasing eggs to feed school children who may not get a meal, assisting with in-country missions by local pastors, acquiring two commercial washing machines for a deaf village in Jamaica, supporting an entrepreneurial academy for villagers, purchasing a basketball goal for an organization that helps children make the transition to foster care, and put together countless Blessing Bags full of supplies to help those who have fallen on bad luck among many other things.

With Metanoia, I’m proud of how we are able to follow the command of Jesus to love others. Giving back is not only satisfying but has given me a new appreciation for life (and specifically, the lives of others). I’m following in my dad’s footsteps and I’m working to be the best version of myself each and every day. God has a perfect plan. Through our business, we are able to change lives – thousands of miles away and in our own backyard here in Nashville.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road. But I can say starting a business while working full-time is challenging. In addition to the results of changing lives, it makes a huge difference to have a team of co-founders who each has special talents and skills to match a giving spirit and positive attitude.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In addition to Metanoia Missions & Ministries, I work at Explore Chiropractic office in Mt. Juliet. I’m proud of the fact I can balance full-time work, part-time ministry, and still find time to spend with my family and loved ones. I’ve been blessed with the talent of singing and love to perform worship at church and various events.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is making up little plays and shows with my friends to perform in front of our parents whether it was singing, dancing, or plays. I love being creative, starting at an early age. This led to many plays throughout middle and high school.

Pricing:

• Mission trips range from $2,300-$2,500 plus airfare to departure city

Contact Info:

• Website: https://metanoiamissions.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metanoia_m3/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metanoiamissions